Rates & Utilities

Residential property owners receive rate notices twice a year, usually in February and August. The rates notice includes both general rates and utilities charges (water, sewerage and rubbish collection).

The notice issued in February covers half yearly rates and charges for January 1 to June 30 and the notice issued in August covers half yearly rates and charges for July 1 to December 31.

A 10% discount applies to the general rate component of the rate notice if paid by the due date.

How to pay your rates

Did you know you can pay your rates throughout the year? You can make weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments via BPay. Divide your yearly amount into smaller, more manageable amounts to make payment easier. Just use your BPay biller code and reference number to make your payment.

View your rates and utilities charges online (please note: registration and a valid email address is required. Follow the prompts and instructions to register. Once registered, you will be notified via email each time a notice is issued).

Water Billing Options

There are two water billing options to choose from: the Standard plan and the Water Watchers Plan.

Standard Plan (fixed allocation)

You will be allocated 772kL of water for $755 per year. This is split in two equal parts and charged over two rates notices each financial year. If you use more than the allocated 772kL, you will be charged $2.89 per kilolitre as an excess water charge.

Water Watchers Plan (two-part tariff)

You will be charged a service connection fee of $344 per year. This is split into two equal parts and over two rates notices. This is $172 for six months.

Your actual water use on the Water Watchers Plan is billed at a lower rate - $1.38 for every kilolitre of water you use.

Which plan should I be on?

If your water use is low (under 298 kilolitres), you will benefit from being on the Water Watchers Plan. Are you a water watcher or waster? Regularly checking your water meter will help you work out how much water your household uses.

How do I change my water plan?

You can change your water billing plan online or visit our Customer Service Centre at 103 Walker Street, Townsville City during the annual opt-in period.

Remember, you will need a copy of your last rates notice in order for us to help you with changing your water billing option.

Exceptions to the water opt-in period

If you purchase a new property outside of the Water Opt-in period, you will have four weeks from the date of receipt of invitation to change to submit your request to change water billing options. Any change will be effective from the first meter read after the date of transfer.

Other Concessions

In accordance with the Local Government Regulation 2012, Concessions may apply for general rates, water and sewerage charges to certain organisations as set out in the council’s Charitable and Community Organisation General Rates and Utility Charges Policy and Concessions Schedule. Details of application requirements can be obtained by phoning the Customer Service Centre on 1300 878 001.

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Townsville Water and Townsville Waste Services are commercial business units of Townsville City Council, responsible for providing water supply, wastewater, solid waste and recycling services to the Townsville area.

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ABN: 44 741 992 072 Copyright 2017 Townsville City Council all rights reserved. Townsville City Council acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Townsville, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba peoples.